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How to access : Apply for an account

Overview

Important information:

While we are focused on the wider ONS prioritisation work, we are no longer accepting new IDS project applications for external research.

Applications to become an accredited researcher can still be submitted to access other Trusted Research Environments (including the Secure Research Service).  

To access the Integrated Data Service (IDS), you will need to apply for an account.

When this is approved you will have access to the IDS Hub, a secure platform where you can:

  • apply for researcher accreditation 
  • apply for project accreditation 
  • access your project workspace 
  • view our full data catalogue  
  • access our user guidance 

Before you start

You can apply for an IDS account if you are not yet an accredited researcher. You will have access to the IDS Hub, but you will need to apply for accreditation before you can access data.

During the access process, we will ask you to: 

  • provide the name of your organisation
  • provide your name and organisation email address
  • read and agree to our terms of access

Cost information

The IDS is free to all researchers. 

There are two possible exceptions. 

Firstly, projects using commercial datasets – which are purchased by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), enabling them to be available more widely – are reverse charged at a discounted rate 

Secondly, although we do not charge to access the service, your organisation may need to make internal changes to establish and meet the compliance of remote connectivity (such as Assured Organisational Connectivity and Cloudflare), ensuring secure access to the platform. 

Most organisations will already meet the compliance required. In the rare instance your organisation does not meet the compliance needs, contact us and we will try to support you. 

If you have any questions, email Accredited.Researcher.Support@ons.gov.uk (opens in a new tab) 

How long it takes

We aim to respond to account applications within five working days. 

 

Apply for an account
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